Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has issued a clarion call to India Inc, urging businesses to step up investments, expand capacities, and actively participate in the country’s growth journey. Speaking at the IFQM Symposium in New Delhi on September 18, 2025, Sitharaman emphasized that the government has delivered on key reforms and created a conducive environment for industry to thrive. Now, she said, it is time for corporate India to respond with bold investments and long-term expansion plans.
Her message comes amid signs of a recovering private investment cycle and global interest in India’s resilient supply chains. With reforms in taxation, foreign direct investment (FDI), and ease of doing business already in place, Sitharaman stressed that hesitation must give way to action.
Key Highlights from Sitharaman’s Address
| Focus Area | Message from FM Sitharaman |
|---|---|
| Investment Sentiment | “I hope there is no more hesitation for the industry to invest further.” |
| Government Reforms | Delivered on tax, FDI, and business-friendly policies |
| Industry Collaboration | Continuous engagement beyond pre-Budget consultations |
| MSME Support | Strengthened SIDBI presence in industrial clusters |
| Skilling and Employment | Industry must partner in youth skilling initiatives |
| Long-Term Vision | Quality manufacturing and service sector improvements |
Sitharaman’s remarks were in response to a question from Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran, who asked what industry should focus on next. She reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently supported industry demands and delivered reforms aligned with their expectations.
Reforms Delivered by the Government
| Reform Area | Key Measures Implemented |
|---|---|
| Taxation | GST rationalization, ₹2 lakh crore in cuts |
| FDI Liberalization | Opened up key sectors including defense, insurance, and retail |
| Ease of Doing Business | Digital compliance, single-window clearances |
| MSME Empowerment | Credit access via SIDBI, Udyam portal integration |
| Infrastructure Development | Gati Shakti master plan, logistics parks, industrial corridors |
Sitharaman emphasized that the government’s reform basket is full and ready for industry to leverage. “Spell out what more is needed,” she said, inviting India Inc to communicate its requirements for further growth.
Industry Response: Confidence and Commitment
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran responded positively to Sitharaman’s call, stating that the platform created by the government is “enormous” and ripe for investment. He expressed confidence that entrepreneurs, SMEs, and large corporates would step up their investment plans to capture domestic and export opportunities.
| Industry Leader | Response |
|---|---|
| N Chandrasekaran (Tata Sons) | “Without investment, we cannot capture the opportunity.” |
| D.K. Joshi (Crisil) | “Private investment is rising but not yet matching GDP growth.” |
| S&P Global | Projects $850 billion investment potential over five years |
Industry leaders acknowledged that while global uncertainties persist, India’s policy stability and reform momentum offer a strong foundation for long-term growth.
MSME Sector: Backbone of Economic Expansion
Sitharaman highlighted the critical role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India’s GDP and employment generation. She noted that SIDBI has been given a stronger physical presence in MSME hubs to support grassroots businesses.
| MSME Support Measures | Impact |
|---|---|
| SIDBI Cluster Expansion | Improved credit access |
| Udyam Registration | Formalization of small businesses |
| Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) | Liquidity support during pandemic |
| Skill Development Partnerships | Enhanced employability |
The Finance Minister urged large corporates to mentor MSMEs and integrate them into supply chains to ensure inclusive growth.
Skilling and Youth Engagement
Sitharaman called on industry to collaborate with the government in skilling initiatives, particularly in emerging sectors like AI, robotics, green energy, and advanced manufacturing. She emphasized that skilling must be a year-round engagement, not limited to pre-Budget consultations.
| Skilling Focus Areas | Industry Role |
|---|---|
| AI and Machine Learning | Training and internships |
| Green Energy | Workforce transition programs |
| Advanced Manufacturing | On-the-job training |
| Digital Literacy | CSR-led education drives |
She stressed that India’s demographic dividend must be harnessed through coordinated efforts between government and industry.
Investment Outlook: Time to Act
With global agencies projecting robust investment potential, Sitharaman’s message is clear—India Inc must act now. The government has laid the groundwork, and the private sector must build on it.
| Investment Driver | Opportunity |
|---|---|
| Domestic Consumption | Rising middle class, urbanization |
| Export Demand | Global shift to resilient supply chains |
| Infrastructure Push | Roads, railways, ports, digital connectivity |
| Policy Stability | Predictable regulatory environment |
The Finance Minister’s remarks are expected to catalyze boardroom discussions and investment planning across sectors.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for India Inc
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s message to India Inc is both a reassurance and a challenge. With reforms delivered and platforms created, the onus now lies with industry to invest, expand, and innovate. Her call for continuous engagement, MSME support, and youth skilling reflects a holistic vision for India’s economic transformation.
As India charts its path toward becoming a developed nation, the partnership between government and industry will be pivotal. The time for hesitation is over—the time to invest is now.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements, verified news reports, and industry commentary. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or policy advice. All figures and projections are subject to change based on official updates.
